Multi-plane compound folding frame

ABSTRACT

A folding frame comprises four vertical legs and at least one shelf pivotally connected to each of the four vertical legs, each shelf being capable of folding vertically upward. The folding frame further comprises two support beams positioned beneath and on opposite ends of each shelf, each support beam being pivotally connected to two of the four vertical legs and capable of folding horizontally inward. The folding frame is moveable between an extended position with each shelf being horizontal and supported by two of the support beams, and a collapsed position with each shelf being folded vertically upward and the support beams being folded horizontally inward.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates in general to folding frames. More particularly,this invention relates to a folding frame that can be convenientlyopened for use with four vertical legs and multiple shelves. The foldingframe can be collapsed through a simple procedure to a compact format.

2. Description of the Related Art

Inexpensive foldable furniture has been quite popular for numerousyears. Foldable furniture (or folding frames) are pieces of furniturethat can be expanded for typical use and collapsed for storage orshipping. A few examples of folding frames include folding kitchenislands, serving carts, workbenches, drafting tables, craft tables,gardening carts, and storage shelves.

Although traditional folding frames can collapse to a certain extent,the folded profile of a traditional frame still tends to be bulky. Evenin the collapsed format, traditional folding frames take up more roomthan necessary.

Instead of creating folding frames, some companies ship products inready-to-assemble packages. This method allows furniture products to beshipped in a compact format, but requires assembly by the end user anddoes not allow for compact storage.

Thus, the need arises for a preassembled folding frame that can bestored and shipped in a compact format, and can be extended to afull-size piece of furniture such as a table or cart with multipleshelves. In addition, it is desirable that the procedure fortransitioning between the collapsed position and the extended positionbe simple.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,207, Mast discloses a shipping rack easilyconvertible to an extended mode for storing and shipping product, adisplay mode for displaying product, and a collapsed mode for storingthe rack itself. The rack includes a pair of central support columns anda pair of outer posts on either side of the columns. A plurality ofshelves is pivotally mounted between the posts and columns. In theextended mode, the shelves are horizontal. As the columns are raisedwith respect to the posts, the shelves pivot to the desired inclination.Once the shelves are essentially vertical and the posts are drawn closeto the central columns, the rack is in the collapsed mode. The rack canbe secured in any mode by a strut. A spring counterbalance systeminstalled within one of the central columns assists the mode conversionof the rack.

Instead of supporting the shelves by using a central support column, thesubject invention uses support beams running in a horizontal directionto support the shelves. As the folding frame is transitioned into acollapsed position, the support beams of the subject invention foldhorizontally inward. Mast does not describe the use of inward foldingsupport beams.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,547, Goldberg discloses a collapsible storagerack assembly including a plurality of upstanding, generally invertedU-shaped frame members between which extend a plurality of verticallyspaced, hingedly collapsible shelf assemblies. Using crossbeams forframe support and foldable movement, the storage rack can be easily andquickly opened for use by moving the frame members away from each other.In a similar manner, the storage rack can be easily collapsed by movingthe frame members toward each other and into juxtaposition, with theshelf assemblies collapsing by upward hinging movement. In the closedand collapsed position, the shelf assemblies are substantiallycompletely nested within the frame members, thereby facilitatingconvenient handling, shipment, and storage of the construction.

Instead of using cross-braces to allow for collapsing of the frame, thesubject invention employs support beams that fold horizontally inward.The support beams of the subject invention also function to support theweight of the foldable shelves in the extended position. Goldberg doesnot describe the use of inward folding support beams to support theshelves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a foldingframe that can be collapsed into a compact format.

A second object of the invention is to provide a folding frame that doesnot require assembly.

A third object of the invention is to provide a folding frame thatextends into a full-size piece of furniture with multiple layers ofshelves.

A fourth object of the invention is to provide a folding frame with asimple procedure for transitioning between the collapsed position andthe extended position.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, theinvention provides a folding frame comprising four vertical legs and atleast one shelf pivotally connected to each of the four vertical legs,each shelf being capable of folding vertically upward. The folding framefurther comprises two support beams positioned beneath and on oppositeends of each shelf, each support beam being pivotally connected to twoof the four vertical legs and capable of folding horizontally inward.The folding frame is moveable between an extended position with eachshelf being horizontal and supported by two of the support beams, and acollapsed position with each shelf being folded vertically upward andthe support beams being folded horizontally inward.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the folding frame of the presentinvention in the extended position.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the folding frame as shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of one of the shelves of the folding frame asshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the folding frame of the presentinvention in between the extended and collapsed positions.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the folding frame of the presentinvention in the collapsed position.

FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of a folding frame of the presentinvention in the extended position.

FIG. 7 is an alternative embodiment of a folding frame of the presentinvention in between the extended and collapsed positions.

FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of a folding frame of the presentinvention in the collapsed position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of the folding frame 10 ofthe present invention in the extended position is shown. In the extendedposition, folding frame 10 is a full-size piece of folding furniture.Folding frame 10 includes four vertical legs 11 supporting one or moreshelves 12. Vertical legs 11 are connected horizontally by cross plates18 and cross beams 66 for reinforcing stability of folding frame 10. Inthis embodiment, folding frame 10 has two shelves 12. It is preferredthat shelves 12 are rectangular in shape. However, any shape allowingfor shelves 12 to be connected to all four vertical legs 11 may be used.Each shelf 12 connects to the four vertical legs 11 via shelf studs 13.Shelf studs 13 allow for vertical movement of the shelf relative tofolding frame 10. Although this embodiment uses shelf studs 13 toconnect shelves 12 to vertical legs 11, any other means for pivotallyconnecting shelves 12 to vertical legs 11, such as bolts or hinges, maybe used.

Still referring to FIG. 1, each shelf 12 is further supported by twosupport beams 15. Support beams 15 are positioned beneath and onopposite ends of shelves 12. Each support beam 15 pivotally connects totwo of the four legs 11 via beam hinges 16, allowing support beams 15 topivot in a horizontal direction. Although this embodiment uses beamhinges 16 to connect support beams 15 to vertical legs 16, anyconfiguration pivotally connecting support beams 15 to vertical legs 16may be used.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional side view of the foldingframe as shown in FIG. 1 is illustrated. Each support beam has a centerhinge 17 capable of pivoting in a horizontal direction. The combinationof beam hinges 16 and center hinge 17 allow for each support beam tofold horizontally inward. Although this embodiment uses a center hinge17 to allow for the movement of each support beam 15, any configurationallowing the horizontal inward folding of support beam 15 may be used.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a bottom view of one of the shelves of thefolding frame as shown in FIG. 1 is illustrated. Shelf 12 includespanels 19a, 19b joined at dividing line 20. Each of the panels 19a, 19bform roughly one half of shelf 12. Panels 19a, 19b are joined by one ormore shelf hinges 14 to allow for the vertical upward folding of shelf12 along dividing line 20. In this embodiment, three shelf hinges 14 areused. Although this embodiment uses panels 19a, 19b and shelf hinges 14to allow shelves 12 to fold vertically upward, any configurationallowing for the vertical upward folding of shelves 12 may be used.

Still referring to FIG. 3, beam hinges 16 may include mounting devices22 for affixing the ends of support beams 15 to vertical legs 11.Mounting devices 22 are typically short in length so as not to bevisible from the side of folding frame 10.

Still referring to FIG. 3, shelf 12 may have position-limiting devices21 that prevent support beams 15 from folding horizontally inward whilefolding frame 10 is in extended position, thus keeping support beams 15rigid when folding frame 10 is in the extended position. Cross plates 18may be used to reinforce the stability of folding frame 10 while in theextended position.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the folding frame of thepresent invention in between the extended and collapsed positions isshown. As shelves 12 fold vertically upward along dividing line 20,support beams 15 fold horizontally inward, and vertical legs 11 aredrawn closer together. The combination of shelf hinges 14 (shown in FIG.3) and shelf studs 13 allow for the vertical folding movement of shelves12. The combination of beam hinges 16 and center hinge 17 allow for thehorizontal folding movement of support beams 15.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the folding frame of thepresent invention in the collapsed position is shown. When folding frame10 is in the collapsed position, shelves 12 are folded along dividingline 20 in a substantially vertical position. Support beams 15, on theother hand, are folded along center hinges 17 in a substantiallyhorizontal manner. Vertical legs 11 connecting the ends of support beams15 via beam hinges 16 are substantially adjacent to one another.

Still referring to FIG. 5, folding frame 12 must be sized so shelves 12do not obstruct the folding of folding frame 12. Shelves 12 may be longalong dividing line 20 because the length of shelves 12 will notobstruct the vertical upward movement of shelves 12. Shelves 12 cannotbe too wide, however, because shelf width may obstruct the verticalupward movement of shelves 12 when folding frame 10 transitions from theextended position to the collapsed position. By properly setting thewidth of shelves 12, folding frame 10 may be less than 6 inches thick inthe collapsed position, thus facilitating transport and storage offolding frame 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, an alternative embodiment of a folding frame60 of the present invention is shown. To facilitate transport, wheels 64may be positioned at the bottom end of two or more of the vertical legs11. In addition, a table surface 65 pivotally attached via pivot arms 61and pivot hinges 63 to vertical legs 11 and positioned on top ofvertical legs 11 may be used. Table surface 65 can be placed in ahorizontal position by resting on top of legs 11. Table surface 65 canfold into a vertical position for ease of storage and transport.

Still referring to FIGS. 6-8, a cable 62 connecting each of the shelves12 together may be used to assist in the extending and collapsing offolding frame 60. As one shelf 12 is folded vertically upward, tensionin cable 62 causes all shelves 12 to fold vertically upward together.Although this embodiment uses a cable, any other device for connectingall shelves 12 together, such as a rod, may be used. When in thecollapsed position, vertical legs 11 may be held together using alocking device 67.

Other embodiments of the invention will appear to those skilled in theart from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. Possible applications of the folding frameinclude, but are not limited to, folding kitchen islands, serving carts,workbenches, drafting tables, craft tables, gardening carts, and storageshelves. It is intended that the specification and examples to beconsidered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of theinvention being indicated by the following claims.

1. A folding frame comprising: four vertical legs; at least one shelfpivotally connected to each of the four vertical legs, each shelf beingcapable of folding vertically upward; two support beams positionedbeneath and on opposite ends of each shelf, each support beam beingpivotally connected to two of the four vertical legs and capable offolding horizontally inward; and wherein the folding frame is moveablebetween an extended position with each shelf being horizontal andsupported by two of the support beams, and a collapsed position witheach shelf being folded vertically upward and the support beams beingfolded horizontally inward.
 2. The folding frame according to claim 1wherein if there is more than one shelf, further comprising a connectingdevice coupled to the shelves for folding the shelves together.
 3. Thefolding frame according to claim 1 further comprising at least one crossplate and one cross beam mounted to the folding frame.
 4. The foldingframe according to claim 1 further comprising at least oneposition-limiting device to keep the support beams rigid when thefolding frame is in the extended position.
 5. The folding frameaccording to claim 1 wherein each shelf is pivotally connected to eachof the four vertical legs via studs.
 6. The folding frame according toclaim 1 wherein each shelf has two panels connected by at least onehinge, each hinge enabling the shelf to fold vertically upward.
 7. Thefolding frame according to claim 1 wherein each support beam ispivotally connected to two of the four vertical legs using hinges. 8.The folding frame according to claim 1 wherein each support beam has acenter hinge enabling the support beam to fold horizontally inward. 9.The folding frame according to claim 1 further comprising a tablesurface capable of being positioned horizontally on top of the fourlegs.
 10. The folding frame according to claim 1 further comprising awheel attached to at least two of the four vertical legs.
 11. Thefolding frame according to claim 1 wherein each shelf is rectangular inshape.
 12. The folding frame according to claim 1 wherein each shelf isset to a desired width so as not to obstruct the folding frame whentransitioning from the extended position to the collapsed position. 13.The folding frame according to claim 1 further comprising a lockingdevice to secure the vertical legs together when the folding frame is inthe collapsed position.
 14. A folding frame comprising: four verticallegs; at least one rectangular shelf pivotally connected to each of thefour vertical legs via studs, each shelf having two panels connected byat least one hinge, each hinge enabling the shelf to fold verticallyupward; two support beams positioned beneath and on opposite ends ofeach shelf, each support beam being hinged to two of the four verticallegs, each support beam having a center hinge enabling the support beamto fold horizontally inward; wherein the folding frame is moveablebetween an extended position with each shelf being horizontal andsupported by two of the support beams, and a collapsed position witheach shelf being folded vertically upward and the support beams beingfolded horizontally inward; at least one cross plate and one cross beammounted to the folding frame; and at least one position-limiting deviceto keep the support beams rigid when the folding frame is in theextended position.
 15. The folding frame according to claim 14 whereinif there is more than one shelf, further comprising a connecting devicecoupled to the shelves for folding the shelves together.
 16. The foldingframe according to claim 14 further comprising a table surface capableof being positioned horizontally on top of the four legs.
 17. Thefolding frame according to claim 14 further comprising a wheel attachedto at least to two of the four vertical legs.
 18. The folding frameaccording to claim 14 wherein each shelf is set to a desired width so asnot to obstruct the folding frame when transitioning from the extendedposition to the collapsed position.
 19. The folding frame according toclaim 14 further comprising a locking device to secure the vertical legstogether when the folding fame is in the collapsed position.
 20. Afolding frame comprising: first, second, third and fourth vertical legs;at least two shelves, with each shelf pivotally connected to each of thefour vertical legs, and each shelf being capable of folding verticallyupward; two support beams positioned beneath and on opposite ends ofeach shelf, each support beam being pivotally connected to two of thefour vertical legs and capable of folding horizontally; first and secondpivot arms each having first and second ends, with the first end of eachpivot arm pivotally connected to the first and second legs,respectively; the second end of each pivot arm pivotally connected to atable surface; and wherein the folding frame is moveable between anextended position with each shelf being horizontal and supported by twoof the support beams, and the table surface is supported in a horizontalposition on top of the four vertical legs, and a collapsed position witheach shelf being folded vertically upward and the support beams beingfolded horizontally, and the table surface is folded into a verticalposition alongside the first and second legs by pivoting the pivot armsin an arc of more than 180 degrees.
 21. The folding frame of claim 20with the table surface supported only on the four vertical legs, whenthe folding frame is in the extended position.
 22. The folding frame ofclaim 20 with the table surface supported vertically only by the pivotarms, when the folding frame is in the collapsed position.
 23. Thefolding frame of claim 20 further comprising a cable connecting each ofthe shelves together, to assist in extending and collapsing the foldingframe.
 24. A folding table comprising: first, second, third and fourthlegs; a first pivot arm having a first end and a second end, with thefirst end of the first pivot arm pivotally connected to the first leg; asecond pivot arm having a first end and a second end, with the first endof the second pivot arm pivotally connected to the second leg; a tablesurface pivotally connected to the second end of the first pivot arm viaa first pivot hinge, and the table surface pivotally connected to thesecond end of the second pivot arm at a second pivot hinge; at least twoshelves, with each shelf including a first panel connected to a secondpanel by a hinge, with the first panel pivotally connected to the firstand second legs, and with the second panel pivotally connected to thethird and fourth legs; first and second support beams positioned beneathand adjacent to opposite ends of each shelf, with the first support beampivotally connected to the first and fourth legs and with the secondsupport beam connected to third and fourth legs, and with the first andsecond support beams foldable inwardly towards each other; and the firstand second pivot arms moveable through an arc of more than 180 degrees,and the table surface connected only to the first and second pivot arms.25. The folding frame of claim 24 comprising a plurality of shelvespivotally connected to each of the four vertical legs and capable offolding vertically upward, and further comprising a connecting devicecoupled to each of the shelves for folding the shelves together.
 26. Thefolding frame of claim 24 further comprising at least one cross plateand one cross beam mounted to the folding frame.
 27. The folding frameof claim 24 further comprising at least one position-limiting device tokeep the support beams rigid when the folding frame is in the extendedposition.
 28. The folding frame of claim 24 wherein each shelf ispivotally connected to each of the four vertical legs via studs.
 29. Thefolding frame of claim 24 wherein each shelf has two panels connected byat least one hinge, each hinge enabling the shelf to fold verticallyupward.
 30. The folding frame of claim 24 wherein each support beam ispivotally connected to two of the four vertical legs using hinges. 31.The folding frame of claim 24 wherein each support beam has a centerhinge enabling the support beam to fold horizontally inward.
 32. Thefolding frame of claim 24 wherein each shelf is set to a desired widthso as not to obstruct the folding frame when transitioning from theextended position to the collapsed position.
 33. The folding frame ofclaim 24 further comprising a locking device to secure the vertical legstogether when the folding frame is in the collapsed position.
 34. Thefolding frame of claim 24 with the pivot arms moveable about threequarters of a turn about the first and second pivot hinges on the firstand second pivot arms.
 35. The folding frame of claim 24 with the tablesurface comprising a single slab.
 36. A folding table comprising: first,second, third and fourth legs; a first pivot arm having a first end anda second end, with the first end of the first pivot arm pivotallyconnected to the first leg; a second pivot arm having a first end and asecond end, with the first end of the second pivot arm pivotallyconnected to the second leg; a table surface pivotally connected to thesecond end of the first pivot arm via a first pivot hinge, and the tablesurface pivotally connected to the second end of the second pivot arm ata second pivot hinge; at least two shelves, with each shelf including afirst panel connected to a second panel by a hinge, with the first panelpivotally connected to the first and second legs, and with the secondpanel pivotally connected to the third and fourth legs; and with thefirst and second pivot arms movable through more than 180 degrees ofrotation, wherein the first and second pivot arms are parallel to thefirst and second legs, respectively, as the table is moved from a foldedto an unfolded position.
 37. The folding table of claim 36 furthercomprising first and second support beams positioned beneath andadjacent to opposite ends of each shelf, with the first support beampivotally connected to the first and fourth legs and with the secondsupport beam connected to third and fourth legs, and with the first andsecond support beams foldable inwardly towards each other.
 38. Thefolding table of claim 36 with the table surface connected only to thefirst and second pivot arms.